Paracetamol is ineffective at treating back pain and osteoarthritis.

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has provided evidence that Paracetamol is ineffective at relieving symptoms of lower back pain and osteoarthritis. Paracetamol is currently one of the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) with regard lower back pain and I expect that this will soon be taken off their guidelines.

This makes a stronger case for the use of osteopathy as a manual therapy as well as acupuncture, both of which have a good amount of evidence when treating this area of the body. These treatment methods are also on the current NICE guidelines.

Hopefully this information will make its way to GPs and they will either recommend a different kind of medicine or perhaps even suggest a course of treatment with your local osteopath. Some Gp’s surgeries even have an osteopath on hand to refer you to. If not, come and book an appointment!